Monday August 31st, Still at Joanie and Jeff’s!!!, Calagary AB

Well we had full intentions of moving on today, but somehow time passed by and we didn’t quite make it. Joanie and Jeff are on holiday this week, and had planned to visit Vancouver, but at the last moment plans didn’t eventuate, so we caught them at a great time. We had a leisurely brunch with some great cornmeal pancakes and bacon that Jeff cooked.

Joanie decided that Ian needed to visit Lee Valley Tools, which he had read about and drooled when she showed him their catalogue!!! And Jeff wanted me to see the camera store where he works, Vistek has several branches throughout Canada.

As you can imagine it didn’t take much persuasion. Ian was very happy being driven through the city traffic.

He had a wonderful time at Lee Valley and came out with some new “toys”. Took in a scenic overlook of the central city area of Calgary, with the Stampede grounds in the foreground….plans are to be back next July when it is on.

Vistek is a very professional company selling a huge range of top gear. Picked up a few things including a new strap for my camera. It is a crossover style, rather than around the neck, and the camera hangs at the side, brilliant for hiking as it is out of the way and there is no weight on the neck. Jeff has one and can’t believe it has taken so long for someone to figure it out!

Checked out some more stores in the central city area and home for a wonderful meal of Artic Char, a fish from the same family as salmon. Jeff cooked it on cedar strips over the barbecue and it was superb. Ian is keen to try cooking trout in a similar method.

The weather has been unbelievably good, and the evening so balmy….we will leave this city with such a great impression, can’t believe they have so much snow in the winter!